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A treasure of nature
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Protection of the Canary Islands black bee
An essential part of our work is the protection of the Canary Island black bees. This endemic bee has adapted perfectly to Lanzarote's unique conditions over time. Their resistance to heat, wind, and drought, as well as their ability to find food in such an arid environment, make them a fundamental part of the local ecosystem and the island's organic farming.
About us
Klaus Guttenberger has been passionately dedicated to extensive organic beekeeping on the island for over twelve years. Together with his former colleagues Darlien and Betty, he has built up and shaped organic beekeeping on Lanzarote.
As he is now gradually retiring from his daily beekeeping routine, I am working to continue this beekeeping project and ensure the future of the bees.
Importance of bees
For us, preserving the original characteristics of this unique bee is our top priority, and thus protecting Lanzarote's nature.
Essential helpers for biodiversity and agriculture
Bees pollinate plants, thus ensuring biodiversity. Without them, many plants would be infertile and our food chain would be threatened. Their importance is especially evident in Lanzarote, where pollinating insects struggle due to the harsh climate: zucchini, pumpkins, and melons sometimes have to be pollinated by hand.
Therefore, the protection of bees and pollinators is more important today than ever.
Our beekeeping principles
Ecological, sustainable and bee-friendly.
In an emergency, we feed only honey from our own colonies or organic sugar, with no added protein and no incentives for performance feeding.
We do not use any plastic parts inside the hives.
The queens in our colonies are raised naturally by the bees themselves, without artificial methods.
We treat parasites like the Varroa mite exclusively with certified organic methods such as organic acids, queen cages, and/or occasionally eliminating drone brood.
Our apiaries are located exclusively in areas where there is no intensive agriculture within a radius of at least 3.5 km, thus ensuring a natural environment for bees.
Challenges
Beekeeping under special conditions
Due to the lack of flowers in summer and autumn, as well as Lanzarote's climatic challenges, beekeeping here is particularly demanding. Honey harvests and sales are not sufficient to ensure the economic viability of our work.
For this reason, the “Lanzarote Honeybees” project was launched.
This offer is aimed at people who want to discover the fascinating world of the Canary Black Bees in Lanzarote.
In small groups (maximum 10 people) I explain different forms of beekeeping and together with the participants we experience extensive organic beekeeping in an apiary in the south-central part of the island.
Afterwards, I open a hive for the participants, equipped with beekeeper suits, offering a unique opportunity to experience the life and work of bees up close.
Another highlight is the honey tasting: participants have the opportunity to try different types of honey from our own bees. I also offer honey from organic beekeepers from almost all of the Canary Islands, so you can discover the authentic taste of nature on each island.
Our own honey is known as Lanzarote Honey and reflects the diversity and purity of our landscape.
My mission
With my project, want to share knowledge about the Canary black bee and its unique importance to the sensitive island system of Lanzarote, and also ensure the long-term survival of the only certified organic beekeeping farm on the island.
I want to protect bees and nature: I want to share knowledge, raise awareness, and inspire people to work toward a sustainable future in Lanzarote and the world.
Participat! Whether you're a curious visitor, a committed collaborator, or a honey lover: you're cordially invited to take part in this special project and, with me, discover and preserve the fascinating world of the Canary Island black bee.
Live the exclusive experience: “Beekeeper for a Day”!
Discover the fascinating world of Canarian black bees in the heart of Lanzarote and enjoy the finest organic honey.
